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Computer
Computer Fundamentals
What is Computer?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer
Characteristics of Computer
Types of Computer
History and Generations
History of Computers
Generations of Computers
First Generation of Computer
Second Generation of Computer
Third Generation of Computer
Fourth Generation of Computer
Fifth Generation of Computer
Computer Components
Components of Computer
Input Devices of Computer
Output Devices of Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Computer Hardware
Computer Software
Operating System
Computer Hardware
What is Motherboard?
Random Access Memory (RAM)
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Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Difference between RAM and ROM
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)
Network Interface Card (NIC)
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Differences between Hardware and Software
17 Mar 2025 | 8 min read
Computer Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or a machine that we can see and touch. It
contains circuit board, ICs, or other electronics in a computer system. It is a physical component that is
used in different ways to build a computer or any other machine. The Memory Devices, Processor,
Central Processing Unit, Mouse, and the keyboard all are the examples of the hardware in the computer
system. On the other hand, the screen on which you are viewing this page is the best example of the
hardware, whether you are viewing this page on the tablet, monitor, or smartphone. A computer system
would not be existing without any hardware and not able to run any software. An example of an
external hardware peripheral, a keyboard, is shown in the picture. It allows users to give input to the
computer.
Different types of Computer Hardware
1. Input Devices: Data and instructions are entered into computers via input devices. They let users
communicate with the system and enter data. Keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones, webcams,
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and joysticks are examples of input devices.
2. Output Devices: They show or provide the user with the processed information. Users may view or
experience the outcomes of their interactions with the computer by using them. Examples of
common output devices are printers, speakers, headphones, and monitors or display screens.
3. Storage Devices: Storage devices are important for storing and accessing data on a computer.
They store both user-generated data and the operating system. SSD and HDD are the two most
commonly used types of storage devices. While SSDs use flash memory technology, HDDs store,
and access data using rotating magnetic discs.
4. Internal Components: Internal components are the electronic circuits and pieces that comprise
the basic infrastructure of a computer system. Those components are in charge of how the
computer processes information and functions. The central processing unit (CPU), which serves as
the computer's "mind" through carrying out computations and executing instructions, is certainly
one of its essential internal components. The CPU can swiftly retrieve data and instructions
temporarily stored in random access memory (RAM). The primary circuit board, or motherboard,
links and controls all the computer's internal parts and creates paths for data transmission.
Computer Software
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Software is a collection of procedures, instructions, documentation that tells a computer exactly what to
do or allows users to interact with a computer. Sometimes it is abbreviated as S/W and SW, which is
most important for a computer or other similar devices. Most of the computers may be useless without
software. For example, if a software program, MS-Word is not installed into your computer, you cannot
make any document that can be completed through MS-Word. Also, you cannot surf the Internet or
visit any website if your system has no Internet browser software. Additionally, the browser could not
run on the computer without an operating system. The Google Chrome, Photoshop, MS Word, Excel,
MySQL and more are examples of software. The picture is shown below, is an example of software,
which is a picture of Google Chrome, which is an Internet software program.
Different types of Computer Software
1. System Software
System software is the software that maintains and controls the basic functions of a computer system. It
serves as a bridge between the user and the hardware, ensuring the computer runs smoothly. Operating
systems, device drivers, and utility programs are a few examples of system software.
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Operating systems: An OS, or operating system, is the essential software that controls the
resources of computer hardware and applications.
Device Drivers: Device drivers are software elements that help the operating system, and other
linked hardware devices communicate with one another.
Utility programs: They are software applications created to perform particular tasks to enhance
system performance or offer extra features.
2. Application Software
Application software refers to programs and software applications executing certain tasks or giving end
users features. These programs are made to satisfy users' requirements in various areas, including
communication, creativity, entertainment, and productivity.
Productivity Software: project management tools, word processors, spreadsheets, and
presentation software programs are all examples of productivity software. Users might also create,
edit, and control files, spreadsheets, presentations, and work-related activities with those tools.
Creative Software: 3-D modeling programs, photograph- and video-editing programs, image
design tools, and music-production software are all examples of creative software. Users can
express their creativity and produce digital material because of these programs.
Entertainment Software: Video games, multimedia players, and streaming programs are
examples of entertainment software. These programs allow users to participate in engaging,
entertaining, and recreational activities.
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Communication Software: Email clients, instant messaging programs, video conferencing tools,
and web browsers are all examples of communication software. These programs allow users to
connect, work together, and access internet resources.
Software is a collection of instructions run on the computer, whereas hardware is a physical device used
with or on the computer. On the other hand, the software cannot be touch and held in your hand,
whereas hardware can be touch and held in your hand.
Below is given a table that holds the differences between hardware and software.
Hardware Software
Hardware is a physical component of Software is a program that enables users to
computers that executes the instruction. interact with the computer, its hardware.
It is manufactured in factories. It is developed by software programmers or
software development companies.
Storage Devices, Input Devices, Output Operating Systems, Application Software, and
Devices, and Internal components are the Programming Software are the main
primary categories of hardware. categories of software.
Hardware can be seen and touch as it is a The software can be seen but cannot be
physical, electronic device. touched as it is virtual, not physical.
Computer viruses cannot affect hardware. Computer viruses can affect software.
Hardware can be replaced with a new one if The software is reinstalled if it gets damaged.
it is damaged.
Through the network, hardware cannot be The software can be transferred easily.
transferred electrically. Only, it can be
physically transferred.
Examples of hardware are RAM, ROM, Printer, Examples of software are Google Chrome,
Monitor, Mouse, Hard disk and more. MySQL, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Notepad, Photoshop and more.
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Further information and examples
For operating software, at least one hardware device is needed. For instance, for example, an MS-Word
is software; it utilizes the computer processor, Memory (Random Access Memory), hard disk to work on
documents. Also, a video game is another software that utilizes the computer hard disk, processor,
memory, and video card to run.
Hardware is something that makes it capable of a computer to work. A CPU (Central processing unit)
processes data or information that can be stored on a hard drive or in the RAM. An image is provided
by a video card, and a sound card offers sound to speakers. These all are considered the examples of
hardware components.
Other hardware components include the motherboard, which links and integrates numerous devices
such as the CPU, RAM, and storage drives. Users can interact with computers via input devices like
keyboards and mice, while output devices like printers and displays display information in visible or
physical forms. Computers may connect to networks and the internet via network cards, which makes
data transfer and communication easier.
Software and hardware each need to be updated and maintained. Software programs must be updated
to deal with security flaws and offer new functions, while hardware components may need firmware
upgrades to increase overall performance and prevent issues. In addition, hardware and software
programs must be compatible for optimal operation. For example, the software program has to work
with the computer's hardware and operating system.
In conclusion, the computer's hardware, which includes the CPU, memory, and storage devices, is used
by programs like Microsoft Word and video games to work. The hardware, which consists of the CPU,
hard drive, memory, video card, and sound card, offers a computer its functionalities. It is easier for
consumers to understand how hardware and software programs interact to carry out tasks and provide
the best computing experience when they know the link between those components.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can a computer run without hardware?
No, a computer cannot function without hardware. Hardware components are essential for a computer
to operate and perform tasks. At least a keyboard, video card, display, processor, hard disk,
motherboard, memory, and power supply are required for most of the computers to function properly.
Without a hard disk, display, or keyboard, a computer system like a thin client and server can be set up
to run.
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The computer does not turn on, or an error is encountered when any of these devices are missing or
malfunctioning. Including hardware, like a sound card, mouse, printer, network card, or speakers, is not
needed. But they make the computer more capable.
Can a computer run without the software?
Yes, in most conditions, a computer can run without installing software. However, a computer does not
offer an output of any information or displays an error if an operating system or interpreter is not
found. An operating system is required for a computer system to enable users and software to
communicate with the computer hardware. In addition to an operating system, installing software onto
the computer make capable of computer to perform the additional functionalities. For example, an MS-
Excel is not a needed program to run a computer, but it allows users to work on a spreadsheet.
What is more important, hardware or software?
A computer needs both hardware and software to operate effectively. While software offers the
instructions and programs that use the hardware to carry out certain tasks, the hardware provides the
basic infrastructure and capabilities. Hardware cannot run software without hardware, and hardware
cannot function without software. For the computer to function effectively, both parts must operate
together.
Can hardware performance impact software performance?
Yes, the efficiency of hardware may have a big effect on the efficiency of software. Software programs
run faster and respond more quickly after they have a strong CPU, lots of RAM, and quick storage.
Software performance may be slower, loading times may be longer, and performance can be reduced
due to insufficient hardware resources.
Can software upgrades improve the performance of hardware?
Software upgrades can improve speed, even if their main goals are to correct problems, increase
security, and introduce new features. Updates to software may bring enhanced hardware compatibility,
better resource utilization, and optimized algorithms that can benefit from hardware features. These
improvements may enhance the performance of the system as a whole.
Can hardware constraints limit software capabilities?
Yes, software capabilities can be limited by hardware constraints. Specific hardware requirements could
be necessary for some software programs to function properly, especially resource-intensive ones like
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complex games or advanced video editing tools. The software's capacity to give optimal performance
may be limited by inadequate hardware, which may prohibit some features from working as intended.
Next Topic Uses of Computer
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